Advanced Detection Techniques with Cameron Ford & Stu Phillips in LA Jan 20-22, 2025

Seminar Overview:

Key Topics Covered:

1. Hide Concealment Techniques
   • Learn how to train and deploy dogs to detect hidden substances in sophisticated concealments, such as hydraulically hidden compartments or hidden in structures like walls, floor tiles, or vehicles. Both Ford and Phillips will share operational insights from their work with police and customs agencies.
2. Low-Odor Training
   • Master the art of training dogs to detect minimal scent concentrations, essential for real-world operations involving contraband or explosives that may be concealed with great care. Cameron Ford will cover the science behind sniff frequency and how to optimize dog performance for low-odor scenarios.
3. Search Techniques for Complex Environments
   • Explore practical search strategies for environments such as homes, vehicles, and commercial settings. Stu Phillips will demonstrate his method of “role-specific detection,” where dogs are trained for the specific environments they are tasked to search, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy in detection.
4. Handler Techniques and Body Language
   • This session will focus on handler awareness, body language, and communication with the dog to avoid false alerts and improve team efficiency. Both trainers will highlight key observation skills handlers can use to monitor the dog’s behavior and refine their search patterns.
5. Operational Realism
   • Throughout the seminar, Ford and Phillips will guide handlers in running realistic search scenarios based on their vast experience. Participants will conduct searches in varied settings, including mock crime scenes and urban environments, using real operational concealments to challenge both handler and dog.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the critical factors affecting K9 performance in low-odor detection.
• Develop advanced search strategies for complex operational environments.
• Improve handler-dog communication and reduce false alerts.
• Gain practical experience in detecting expertly concealed targets.

Who Should Attend: